Wedding or Elope?!
The good news? I do both. ;)
Scrolling on TikTok lately has me seeing SO many newly engaged couples starting the wedding planning process and being absolutely blind-sided by the costs. Believe me, that was me a few years ago too! I’m here to help you decide what to do!
Let’s start traditional! For the majority of couples, especially here in the Midwest, this is the first and sometimes all we want to do! And that is perfectly fine! But you should know what to expect in terms of budget! Before making your final decision, get quotes for all of the vendors you’re interested in. If they’re in budget, you’re all set! Make sure to book your main vendors right away, because they will book up quickly! This includes your venue, photographer, and videographer. Next you’ll want to look into booking your DJ, catering, and floral because in today’s day in age they are starting to book up just as quickly! Here is a *sample* of a budget you should expect with a traditional wedding here in Iowa or the Midwest for around 300 people! Keep in mind these can vary greatly!
Venue - $2,000
Bar - $3,000
Catering - $4,000
Dress - $1,500
Suit/Tux - $150
Hair + Makeup for 1 - $250
Photography - $3,500
Videography - $4,000
Decor OR Hired Decor - $3,500
Cake + Desserts - $800
Rental Items - $1,000
Someone to marry you! - $300
DJ - $1,500
Transportation - $1,000
Floral - $3,000
Sample Total: $29,350
Now if some of these numbers scare you, you’ll want to find what your priorities are. You may have to cut back on some items in order to get some vendors you really want. If you’re deep into wedding planning, you may notice some of these are actually on the low end, and you may find yourself splurging for some vendors! Traditional weddings truly are for those who value the tradition aspect and prioritize the party and all of your friends and family! Is this not sounding like you? Maybe you’re more of an elopement couple than you think!
Elopement priorities are very different from traditional weddings! Your main priority is quite literally JUST YOU TWO. You don’t really care for the huge party and spending a ton of money on one day. You get to read your vows to each other in a beautiful place with images like THESE! A day you can guarantee you will not forget every detail! Most of the time an elopement can be done for much cheaper than a traditional wedding! Plus you can extend your time and explore before wedding day, and have a vacation or honeymoon in the same place immediately after! There’s quite a stigma out there that eloping is selfish and you can’t invite anyone. FALSE! You can always invite family and close friends if you want! Here’s a little sample budget!
Permits/Venue/Airbnb - $2,000
Catering - $750
Dress - $1,000
Suit/Tux - $150
Hair + Makeup for 1 - $250
Photography - $3,500
Videography - $3,000
Someone to marry you! - $300
Floral - $500
Plane Tickets - $600
Sample Total: $12,050
Now this can change a LOT based on where you want to elope! But the US has TONS of amazing places! Many elopement couples also opt not to have a videographer since the day is pretty short, and I based this catering cost off of inviting 15 people! If this experience sounds more appealing to you, eloping or a destination wedding may be for you! Remember if you choose this route, you WILL most likely deal with family and some friends disagreeing with you. But it’s YOUR day, and you should spend it how you choose! If they love and support you, they will support whatever you choose!
Whatever you choose, know I will be there to help you the entire way!
LET’S RUN AWAY TOGETHER